While I’m more than ready for the arrival of spring, it seems winter isn’t quite yet ready to loosen its harsh grip just yet.  We’re still receiving regular blasts of Arctic air here in New Jersey, and this week’s especially windy weather has been doing a number even on my oft-oily skin.  Since spending money on expensive moisturizers doesn’t really fit into my current budget, I instead turned to raiding my fridge and pantry for some skin-quenching inspiration.

I always knew honey was a super beneficial food-it contains a number of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that make it a healthier alternative to white sugar.  What I didn’t know is that honey is a humectant, meaning it absorbs water from the air… meaning it’s a great natural skin moisturizer!  What’s more, its antibacterial properties will destroy my pesky pimples in a snap.

The fat in egg yolks, avocado, and olive oil causes these foods to act as emollients, which are natural moisturizers that smooth and soften skin.  (Allow me to indulge my inner science geek by letting you know that emollients contain three basic properties: occlusion (provides a layer of surface oil to stop water loss), humectants (like honey!), and lubrication.)  These foods can be used topically, but will also provide moisture from the inside out of you eat them, which is the perfect excuse to tuck into some guacamole, or drizzle some extra virgin olive oil on just about anything.

And speaking of the inside out, there’s a number of herbal teas that can give your skin the extra moisture boost it craves.  Make your own tisanes (fancy word for herbal tea) by steeping marshmallow, dandelion, peppermint, or chamomile in hot water.

Finally, remember that what you do do about your dry skin is just as important as what you don’t. Cleanse your face twice a day at the maximum, and use warm rather than hot water.  Further, keep in mind that soap can have a drying effect on skin.  You might be better off washing up with oat flour or almond meal mixed with soothing aloe vera.

– Marygrace, KIWI intern and developer of DIY beauty

In an effort to foster community and help parents help each other, we’ve rounded up some of the best offerings from eco-minded mom bloggers.  Here they are!

-Eco Child’s Play reviews Bringing Home Nature by Doug Tallamy, a book aimed at helping families create their own native backyard habitats.

-Is it better to purchase a conventional, second-hand crib, or buy a new one that’s certified greener or safer?  Green Baby Guide discusses.

-Not sure what to do with the piles of boxes you have in your garage?  Looking to get some boxes on the cheap while still avoiding waste?  Visit Mom Goes Green.

-Inhabitots explores attachment parenting, as well as the merits of an arm’s reach co-sleeper.  Learn more about attachment parenting and other sleep training methods in the March articles by Moms Meet.

-Mom Go Green is gearing up for warmer weather with an outdoor bat house.  It keeps mosquitoes at bay, and provides some fun nighttime entertainment!

-Marygrace, KIWI intern and blog enthusiast

We want to honor the hometown activist in all of our communities – the Moms of the Revolution. Tell us how you (or a mom you know) are revolutionizing the way kids in your community eat.

5 Moms will be selected to be featured in KIWI Magazine, receive a free KIWI subscription, and a one year supply of healthy lunchbox snacks from Revolution Foods for their family. One of the 5 Moms will win the GRAND PRIZE of $3,000 in cash to help fund their own healthy School Lunch Revolution.

Share your story.

– Stephanie, KIWI staff and seeker of the Moms of the Revolution 

I have a confession. I am obsessed with lip moisturizers. I can’t get enough. A few weeks ago, we wrote about natural lip balms. Being that I am always on the lookout for new lip companions, I feel a responsibility to continue this conversation and introduce more natural lip care.

Today’s highlight: Yes To Carrots C Me Smile Lip Butter

Self-described as lip butter, I see no better explanation for this smooth, hydrating creation. The consistency is just right, not too thick and not too thin. Added bonus: this USDA-certified organic stick contains all natural ingredients, no animal testing and paraben, petroleum and phthalate free.

Post a comment and let me know what natural balm your lips crave.

– Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of lip beauty (if you didn’t already get that from the blog)

It’s no secret that the healthiest, most delicious foods come from natural sources. Organic Valley’s milk, cheese, eggs, and meats are raised without antibiotics, hormones, or pesticides for authentic food that truly nourishes. A family farm co-op, Organic Valley aims for continual improvement and transparency, making their products food you can really feel good about. Coupon lovers click here.

–Marygrace, KIWI intern and lover of all things natural

Sweet Pea Products knows sensitive skin.  Created by a certified infant massage instructor who was dissatisfied with the lack of natural baby massage oils, all items with the Sweet Pea name are 100% natural and fragrance free.  With a collection of unique baby products including serenity balm, lavender and tea tree soap, and herbal tub teas, Sweet Pea will calm your child’s skin while giving you a piece of mind.  Enjoy a 20% discount with coupon code KIWI.

– Marygrace, KIWI intern and lover of lavender

It’s easy to say no to preservatives and additives with Tastybaby’s organic frozen baby food. They might be serious about nutrition, but with flavor names like “Corn in the USA” and “Peas on Earth,” TastyBaby knows how to have fun.  What’s more, all the food is gluten-free, and is packaged in reusable, BPA-free cups.  Getting a stamp of approval from eco-conscious moms like Cindy Crawford, Ali Landry, and Lisa Loeb, try a Tastybaby gift basket for a great shower gift!

– Marygrace, KIWI intern and fan of eco-consious moms

Make this V-Day memorable with these green ways to say, “I love you!”:

• Couples Yoga — Yoga studios all over are hosting couples yoga classes teaching techniques to help relax each other, ease pain and tension, and connect in a loving, healing way.
• Cook Dinner — Create your favorite meal with organic or local ingredients. Be sure to save room for dessert. On the menu, our Chocolaty Coconut Mini Tortes.
• Send an Eco-Craft — Create handmade valentines with our easy-to-make eco-crafts: Card-io and Love Bug.
• Rethink Romantic Gifts – “Consider giving e-cards instead of paper cards, antique or recycled jewelry, ethical chocolate, organic (or home-grown) flowers, and digital playlists instead of packaged CDs. If you must wrap your gift, consider planet-friendly options.” (from Sierra Club)

– Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of holidays

While its probably still pretty cold where you live, getting outside for fifteen minutes will probably do your family good.  The Great Backyard Bird Count runs from February 13-16, and participating is easy and fun.  Just bundle up on any or all of the days that the event is running, and spend fifteen or more minutes outside, keeping track of all the birds you see.  Then, send your list to the Great Backyard Bird Count website where a map will be continually updated with new bird sightings.  There’s even a special webpage just for kids (http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/kids), with pictures of commonly seen birds, a list of local birds in your area, as well as a printable certificate of participation.  I know I’ll be outside with my binoculars for a squawkin’ good time!

– Marygrace, KIWI intern and avid birdwatcher

Earth’s Best’s new diapers are chlorine-free and contain corn- and wheat-absorbent materials.  Made with annually-renewable resources to reduce petrochemicals, they pair perfectly with Earth’s Best durable, chlorine-free wipes, which are all-natural and contain soothing vitamin E and aloe.  Soft and gentle, they’re perfect for stashing in your diaper bag to double as on-the-go hand and face wipes.

– Marygrace, KIWI intern and trying to be reliant on renewable resources

This Valentine’s Day, give a little extra love to a furry friend who will be lifelong devoted companion. A new pet could be the perfect solution to warm up your home and your heart!

Adopting a new pet from your local animal shelter will be a rewarding experience for you and your family. Who doesn’t love the sight of wagging tail when you get home or the sound of soft purr when cuddled up on the couch? According to Spay USA, more than 70,000 puppies and kittens are born each day in the US. There are simply not enough homes to accommodate all the loveable pets who really want to give you puppy kisses and kitten snuggles.

Animal shelters are overcrowded and love knows no breed! You will be sure to find a devoted dog or cat that will bring your family joy and lots of laughs.  Adopting a new pet is a lifetime commitment, so make sure that you are ready to dedicate the care and time that your new family member will need as soon as Fido or Mittens arrives home.  Also, make sure to neuter or spay your pet so he or she isn’t contributing to the 70,000 puppies and kittens that are born each day.

Even if you don’t have the time or finances available for new pet, there is still something you can do! Shelters are in desperate need of food and your time. Pick up an extra bag of high quality pet food and drop it off at your local animal shelter. If you have the time, all the kitties and puppies will appreciate the walks and tummy rubs that you can give them while they wait for their new adoptive parents.

– Beth Swanson

An estimated 35 to 50 million Americans will come down with the flu this flu season, which typically lasts from November to March. And that’s just the flu. Millions more will also catch the common cold and pneumonia. So how do you protect your kids?

Here’s how to naturally prevent sickness and what to do if it’s too late.

Stop Sickness in its Tracks                                                                  •Get enough sleep! Adults should have at least seven to eight hours of sound sleep every night. And kids need at least ten. When your body is at rest, all your systems have a chance to recover and restore for the next day.

•Eat at least five servings of fruits and veggies daily. Why? They’re loaded with vitamins and minerals, which serve as co-factors for the different systems in our body. The more nutrients you get from natural sources, the better your body will work!

•Exercise. I know it’s cold out there, but keeping your body moving during the winter months will help keep your blood and lymphatic system moving as well. The lymphatic system carries our immune cells in vessels throughout the body. Without exercise, there are few ways to increase circulation. Go out and sled with your kids or take advantage of midday sun and go for a walk.

•Hydrotherapy helps. If you have access to a steam room or sauna, try and do a 15-20 minute session once a week. Afterwards jump in a cold shower. This a great way to get your blood and lymphatic system flowing.

•Wash your hands. Simple soap and water does the trick. No need for antibacterial soaps: our hands also have good bacteria on them that we need to stay healthy.

Oops! You’re Sick. Now What?
•Rest! Your body needs time to recover. Sometimes getting sick is your body’s way of telling you to slow down.

•Drink plenty of fluids. Water (plain or as an herbal tea) is one of the best ways to break down mucous, and it’s free. Try adding a pack of Emergen-C to get a little boost of Vitamin C and other electrolytes.
•For adults, try using certain natural remedies to help alleviate symptoms at the first sign of a cold. Boiron’s Oscillococcinum or Quick Defense by Gaia Herbs are both great. Products like these need to be taken frequently and in high doses to work. For kids, try Gaia Herbs Black Elderberry Syrups. They have a nighttime version to help children relax and sleep more soundly. All of these are available at your local health food store.

•Healing socks (my personal favorite). At night before bed, get a pair of white cotton socks and a pair of wool socks. Wring the cotton socks under cool water and put on feet. Place wool socks over them and go to bed. Don’t walk around the house in wet socks, make sure you go right to bed. While you are sleeping, the cool wet socks will help draw heat and congestion from the upper respiratory system down to your feet, gradually drying the socks. You’ll wake in the morning feeling less congested. Works great for both kids and adults!

– Dr. Keri Marshall MS, ND is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor who specializes in holistic pediatrics and women’s medicine

Sock seams making your child scream? Made with a polyester and lycra blend, SmartKnitKIDS socks are seam-free and comfy as can be.  They’re available in white, pink, purple, navy and black, and come in a variety of sizes for kids of all ages.  Check them out at therawear.com and use coupon code KIWI for 10% off at checkout.

– Marygrace, KIWI intern and seam-free friendly

In an effort to foster community and help parents help each other, I thought it would be a good idea to post weekly highlights of some of what’s going on in the mom blogosphere.  Onto the first roundup!

-Eco Child’s Play talks eco-friendly childcare, as well as resources to find eco-certified childcare centers near you.

-bumGenius! BabyLegs are more than just cute leggings.  Learn how else they can be useful at the Cloth Diaper Blog.

-Just in time for V-Day!  Inhabitots has great Valentine’s cards made from recycled material for your child to share with her friends.

-Read about the pros and cons of hiring a sitter from Mama-Om.

-Easy ways to save on organics, courtesy of Mom Goes Green.

-The Tranquil Parent is looking for ways to ease her four-year-old’s doctor anxiety.

Marygrace, KIWI Intern and blog nerd

Feel the difference of natural with Noli n Nali skincare line, available for both mom and child.  Certified organic, these eco-friendly products nourish the body from the outside in with ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and calendula.  Think soothing belly butter and nipple salve for moms, and gentle shampoo, bubble bath, and detangler for little ones.  Use coupon code KIWI for 25% off your purchase.

– Marygrace, KIWI intern and lover of body nourishment

Helping build healthy bones by aiding in calcium absorption, vitamin D is an important nutrient that’s often hard to find in foods.  Baby Ddrops are an easy way to provide your child with the daily recommended amount of vitamin D, minus the unpleasant taste or clumsy droppers that often accompany supplements. The unique bottle dispenses 400 IU of vitamin D in one easy drop, which can be used while breastfeeding, on baby’s pacifier, or mixed into a child’s food or drink.  For $2.00 your next purchase, call 888-234-5656 and mention code KIWI!

– Marygrace, KIWI intern and promoter of vitamin D 

Every week I take out my trash and ask myself, “Is ALL of this stuff really mine?” While I am conscious of my trash consumption, some things are unavoidable. However, some things can easily be forgotten.

Here’s Planet Green’s list to let us know what disposable products we can end our relationships with:

1. Bottled water
2. Diapers
3. Air filters
4. Paper towels
5. Wrapping paper
6. Individually-wrapped foods
7. Takeout food
8. Feminine products
9. Razors
10. Furniture

Their honorable mention: Takeout chopsticks

– Stephanie, KIWI staff and seeker of ways to reduce trash consumption

Check out the Lil Diaper Depot for a great selection of eco-conscious products. You can ditch disposables for good with their organic cloth diapers, or swaddle baby in an eco-fleece baby blanket made from recycled soda bottles. The company caters to moms, too, with super-soft, organic nursing pads, extra-comfy body pillows, and stylish diaper totes. Pick up a gift certificate for an upcoming baby shower, or register for your own. Receive 10% off your first order with promo code KIWI9 before 2/28/09.

–Marygrace, KIWI intern and lover of eco-conscious proudcts

Handmade valentines are truly gifts from the heart. A family fun project is making paper embedded with flower or veggie seeds. You’ll end up with Valentines that keep on giving. In addition to junk mail or other bits of paper, you’ll need some window screen, water and a blender. And if you’ve been looking for a way to recycle that dryer lint, you’ve found it! Learn how to make paper yourself or if you’re not into papermaking, seed-embedded cards can be purchased at GreenfieldPaper.com.

–Lynn and Corey Colwell, mother-daughter duo and co-authors of Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family, available at CelebrateGreen.net.

As a kid, I loved shrinky dink art. In fact, I still do. I am fascinated by the shrinking process and how bold the colors look when it is finished.I found this Eco-Craft that you and your kids will surely love. The best part: it is made with #6 plastic. Way to put the eco in Eco-Craft!

—Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of shrinky dinks

Calling all sensitive skin types! We’ve teamed up with Lavera Organic to give KIWI readers 10% off on a soothing slew natural and organic skincare products (use promo code Kiwi09 at checkout). Lavera’s Mom and Baby Set pampers mom with a wild rose facial mask and moisturizer and keeps baby’s delicate hair and skin soft with almond shampoo and cream. Offering protection from harmful ingredients while creating effective products for allergy-prone and sensitive skin types, Lavera’s skincare line is a goldmine of green baby shower gifts.

–Marygrace, KIWI intern and lover of organic skin care